Members of the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) at CFB Shilo ready the memorial flag for a ceremonial processional walk through the CAF base to the main gates honouring the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 28. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

First Nations Elder Muray Smith, who led drumming at the CFB Shilo Truth and Reconciliation Walk on Sept. 28, said the rain that fell on the day was a good thing as it represents the tears from heaven of those who never returned from Residential school and offers healing and hope.

More than 200 Canadian Armed Forces members, Base staff, school students and individuals stood in silence during the ceremonial smudging and prayers at the beginning of the walk to honour the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The large gathering walked through the base with children leading the Truth and Reconciliation flag to the front gates. 

“Today is a day of remembrance. It’s significant because people are beginning to recognize what happened years ago … and the turmoil that was caused,” the Edlder explained, referring to the residential school system where thousands of Indigenous children were stolen from their families and sent away to schools.

While the skies darkened with clouds before the 9:30 a.m. ceremonies started, Smith described the emotion the rain would symbolize.

“If it rains, those are tears, but they’re tears of joy because our ancestors, the people that passed on from all of this, are seeing the acts that these children bring. [Children] are sacred. So, these raindrops represent tears of joy.”

He said the day is important to him to honour those who came before us and to honour those who are here.

“You know, for a long time, there was no recovery and no recognition. The path towards reconciliation takes truth. So, the truth is to take ownership of what happened.
You don’t have to agree with it, but you certainly have to know it did happen. There are many people here who are now awakening to that.”

Angel LeBlanc, member of the CFB Shilo Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) said for her, the day represents learning. She has been involved with DIAG for about two years and as long as she has lived on the base. She has seen progression and growth of acceptance in Indigenous cultures and events. 

“So now everybody’s aware of what we went through. We’re going to step forward in being positive and knowing our culture. We are teaching our kids now that we are able to. That’s a big thing for me,” she said. 

Elder Murray Smith leads the drumming honouring the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 28 at CFB Shilo.  Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

A group of more than 200 participated in ceremonies honouring the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation at CFB Shilo on Sept. 28. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Lieutenant Brian Poole of DIAG raises the flag as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies at CFB Shilo on Sept 28. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

The Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) flies at CFB Shilo ready the memorial flag for a ceremonial processional walk through the CAF base to the main gates honouring the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 28. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

A group of school students carry the memorial flag for a ceremonial processional walk through the CAF base to the main gates honouring the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 28. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News